The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery is set to take place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT.
This pivotal event will determine the order of the first 14 picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, influencing the future of several franchises.
The lottery will be held at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago and will be broadcast live on ESPN.
How the NBA Draft Lottery works
The NBA Draft Lottery is a weighted drawing system used to determine the order of the first 14 picks in the NBA Draft. It involves 14 teams that did not qualify for the playoffs, each assigned a set number of combinations based on their regular-season records.
The team with the worst record has the highest number of combinations, giving it the best chance to secure the top pick. The lottery process uses a machine with 14 ping-pong balls, each numbered 1 through 14.
The first four picks are determined by drawing four balls at a time, with each combination representing a team. If a combination assigned to a team is drawn more than once, it is discarded, and another draw occurs. After the top four picks are determined, the remaining teams select in inverse order of their regular-season records.
This year’s lottery holds particular significance, as teams like the San Antonio Spurs are looking to rebuild and end their six-year playoff drought. The Spurs have two lottery picks for the upcoming draft, one acquired via the 2022 Dejounte Murray trade.
They hold a 29.7% chance of landing at least one top-four pick and a 6.7% chance of obtaining the No. 1 pick, potentially selecting top prospects like Cooper Flagg.
Where to watch the Draft Lottery
TV broadcast
- ESPN: The lottery will be broadcast live on ESPN, with coverage beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT. ESPN will also provide in-depth analysis and reactions following the lottery results.
Online streaming
- ESPN App: The ESPN app will stream the lottery live, allowing viewers to watch on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
- ESPN.com: For those without access to cable or satellite TV, ESPN.com offers live streaming of the lottery event.
- YouTube TV: Subscribers to YouTube TV can watch ESPN’s coverage of the lottery. YouTube TV offers a free trial for new users.
- Hulu + Live TV: Hulu’s live TV service includes ESPN, providing another option for streaming the lottery.
- Sling TV: Sling TV offers ESPN as part of its Sling Orange package, which can be used to stream the lottery.
- FuboTV: FuboTV subscribers can access ESPN’s coverage of the lottery.
International viewers
- NBA League Pass: International viewers can subscribe to NBA League Pass to watch the lottery and other NBA events live.
- TNT Sports (UK and Ireland): In the UK and Ireland, TNT Sports holds broadcasting rights for NBA events. Viewers can subscribe to TNT Sports via discovery+ Premium to watch the lottery.
Additional coverage
Following the lottery, ESPN will provide comprehensive coverage, including analysis of the lottery results, team reactions, and expert opinions on the implications for the upcoming draft. ESPN’s team of analysts will break down the potential impact of the lottery on team strategies and future prospects.
For fans eager to discuss the lottery results in real-time, social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook will be buzzing with reactions and commentary. Official NBA accounts and team pages will provide updates and insights throughout the event.
The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery is a highly anticipated event that sets the stage for the future of several NBA franchises. With multiple viewing options available, fans can easily tune in to witness the outcome that could reshape the league’s landscape.
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